Feds have reviewed more than 45,000 pages of documents in Wanda Greene case

Irene Wolfe, now a Buncombe County accountant and sister of former manager Wanda Greene, was among several employees who reviewed Greene's controversial expense reports.
Jennifer Bowman/jbowman@citizentimes.com

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Michael Greene, former Buncombe County employee, gets into a vehicle after leaving the federal courthouse in Asheville with his attorney Ted Besen after his arraignment on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy Thursday, April 12, 2018.(Photo11: Matt Burkhartt/mburkhartt@citize)Buy Photo

Greene, the son of ex-Buncombe administrator Wanda Greene, requested last week that his jury trial be postponed to September. Defense attorney Ted Besen said in court documents they need additional time to review evidence obtained from the U.S. attorney's office.

Michael Greene's attorney just on Thursday received the some 45,000 pages of documents, according to a motion. The documents are only a portion of the rest of the evidence that federal officials are expected to provide under the discovery process.

Besen said in the motion the delay "is necessary to obtain and review all discovery in this matter, to conduct further investigation and to continue further discussions with the government."

He added, "All defendants are in agreement that their defense teams need the additional time for consultation and to prepare their cases."

The Greenes were scheduled to begin their jury trials on June 4, about six days after they're expected to hold a status conference at the federal courthouse in Charlotte.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Edwards, who is prosecuting the case, is unopposed to Michael Greene's motion.

Wanda Greene's defense team had not filed a request to delay her jury trial as of Monday morning.

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Wanda Greene, former Buncombe County manager, walks leaves the federal courthouse in Asheville with her attorney Noell Tin, and Thomas Amburgey after her arraignment on her charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, embezzlement and aiding and abetting Thursday, April 13, 2018.(Photo11: Matt Burkhartt/mburkhartt@citize)

Greene was county manager for 20 years before retiring last summer, days before federal officials would obtain information regarding questionable finances during her tenure.

She and her son have pleaded not guilty after being indicted last month on wire fraud and conspiracy charges. Wanda Greene additionally is charged with embezzlement.

Some charges carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison per count.

Prosecutors say the Greenes misused their county-issued credit cards and used other employees' cards to make nearly $200,000 worth of improper purchases over a decade-long period, including everyday routine items, electronics and gift cards.